Businesses can no longer use the free version of Google Apps -- instead, they must use a premium business version for $50 per year.

Google announced yesterday that businesses, which previously had the choice between the basic, free version of Google Apps or the premium, paid version, must now choose the latter. The offering is called Google Apps for Business, and it features more business-friendly options for an annual fee. The apps include Gmail and Google Drive.

The new features include 24/7 phone support for any issue, a 25GB inbox and a 99.9 percent uptime guarantee with no scheduled downtime. Businesses of all sizes are instructed to use this version for $50 a year.

Why is Google forcing businesses into this direction? According to the tech giant, businesses tend to outgrow the basic version and have increasing needs in order to run their establishment. This new, paid version guarantees that Google can offer them what they need.

Google will keep the basic, free version for individuals, and will also continue offering Google Apps for Education for free. Google Apps for Government will stay at its normal $50 per year as well.

google does care about your data, as does big bro'... and google hands that over readilyand big bro snoops it regardless... and it is used for retroactive surveliance... it is used to target 'inconvenient' people and you are here to sign yourself up and defend the practice.

and nice straw man with the 'tissues, adult websites google rich' commentonly a complete ignorant would ever suggest that, so congrats on refuting the ignorants who don't even post here.